Trump intervenes with FIFA to lift Balogun red card

President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA to overturn a red card suspension for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, an unprecedented political intrusion into the 2026 World Cup that sparked international condemnation and failed to prevent the American team's elimination. The U.S. lost its Round of 16 match to Belgium 4-1 in Seattle on Monday, July 6, 2026, despite Balogun being cleared to play after the president's direct lobbying.

The controversy began when Balogun received a red card for stepping on the ankle of a Bosnian player during the United States' previous match. The automatic one-game suspension would have ruled him out of the crucial knockout game. On Sunday, July 5, FIFA announced it was suspending Balogun's ban, allowing him to face Belgium. Multiple reports confirmed that Trump had made several phone calls to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, beginning the prior Wednesday, to lobby for the reversal. Trump publicly acknowledged the calls on Monday, stating he had asked for a review of the decision. "All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say you have to do this," Trump said. He added that he felt it was important to have the best players on the field.